Mind, Brain, Behavior

A First-Year Ampersand Program

Mind, Brain, & Behavior

How are mental abilities investigated and explained in psychology and neuroscience?  A key learning objective is for students to have a deeper understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of cognitive science, and develop the ability to think and write critically about scientific research addressing mind-brain relationships.

In the fall semester we utilize a “case-study”-based approach, in which specific topics (study strategies, mind-wandering, mindfulness, sleep & dreaming, cognitive aging) will be highlighted to provide students with first-hand experience in how different experimental approaches and methods can be utilized in an integrated and convergent manner to discover how mind, brain, and behavior are inter-related. In addition, the course will emphasize how basic cognitive psychological and neuroscience principles can applied to better understand changes that might be occurring in different populations or clinical groups (e.g., ADHD, Alzheimer’s Disease). In the spring semester students continue their exploration of cognitive science by exploring different frameworks for thinking about how the different branches of cognitive science relate to each other. The course contains an introduction to relevant topics in the philosophy of science and the philosophy of mind. 

First-year Mind, Brain, Behavior (MBB) students take two core courses that provide an introduction to the mind-brain from three different cognitive science perspectives; Psychology, Neuroscience, and Philosophy. In their second year, students are matched to a research lab studying mind, brain, and behavior to complete a year-long research project. 

 

 

How to Sign Up

The sign-up process with priority review for first-year programs and seminars begins on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 4 p.m. (CT). To participate in priority review, please submit your application in the first 24 hours after applications open or by Friday, May 17, 2024, at 4 p.m. (CT). The link to the application form will be available on the First-Year Programs homepage during that time. You will need your WUSTL Key to apply. For each of the Ampersand Programs you wish to rank in your top four choices, you will need to complete a separate statement of interest (no more than 500 words) answering a program specific question. For Mind, Body, Behavior the 2024 application question is: In about 250-500 words, what sparked your interest in Mind, Brain, and Behavior?

First-Year Programs homepage

Program Outline

First Year

FALL SEMESTER

MBB 120A Introduction to Study of the Mind-Brain: Psychological, Biological and Philosophical Perspectives

The primary goal of this course is to provide an in-depth introduction to the techniques by which mental abilities are investigated and explained in psychology and neuroscience. We will utilize a “case-study”-based approach, in which specific topics will be highlighted to provide students with first-hand experience in how different experimental approaches and methods can be utilized in an integrated and convergent manner to discover how mind, brain, and behavior are inter-related. In addition, the course will emphasize how basic cognitive psychological and neuroscience principles can applied to better understand changes that might be occurring in different populations or clinical groups (e.g., ADHD, Alzheimer’s Disease). The course is divided into modules that allow for a deeper exploration of a smaller set of illustrative topics, rather than a broader and more superficial overview: Study Strategies, Mind-wandering, Mindfulness, Sleep & Dreaming, Cognitive Aging. A key learning objective is for students to have a deeper understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of cognitive science, and develop the ability to think and write critically about scientific research addressing mind-brain relationships.

SPRING SEMESTER

MBB 122 Introduction to the Study of the Mind Brain II

In this course, participants in the Mind, Brain, Behavior program continue their exploration of cognitive science. We explore different frameworks for thinking about how the different branches of cognitive science relate to each other. The course contains an introduction to relevant topics in the philosophy of science and the philosophy of mind. 

Second Year 

In the sophomore year, students are able to undertake research under the supervision of a faculty member who serves as a research mentor for the MBB program. Sophomores may choose among several research options, each combining independent work with opportunities to work collaboratively. This research experience culminates in a research symposium held at the end of the spring semester, sophomore year.